Nectarine tree named: ‘Honey Fire’

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct variety of nectarine tree ( Prunus persica  var.  nucipersica ). The features of the tree and its fruit are characterized with the tree budded on ‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock (non-patented), grown on Handford sandy loam soil with Storie Index rating 95, in USDA Hardiness Zone 9, near Modesto, Calif., with standard commercial fruit growing practices such as, pruning, thinning, spraying, irrigation, and fertilization. Its novelty consist of the following unique combination of desirable features that are outstanding in a new variety: 
     1. Heavy and regular production of fruit. 
     2. Fruit with a sweet, mild, sub-acid flavor. 
     3. Fruit with a high degree of attractive red skin color. 
     4. Relatively uniform size fruit throughout the tree. 
     5. Fruit holding firm on the tree 7 to 8 days after maturity (shipping ripe). 
     6. A tree with a relatively low winter chilling requirement of approximately 400 to 450 hours below 45° F. 
     7. Fruit ripening in the early maturity season.

BACKGROUND OF THE VARIETY

In the field of plant genetics, we conduct an extensive and continuingplant-breeding program including the organization and asexualreproduction of orchard trees, and of which plums, peaches, nectarines,apricots, cherries and interspecifics are exemplary. It was against thisbackground of our activities that the present variety of nectarine treewas originated and asexually reproduced by us in our experimentalorchard located near Modesto, Stanislaus County, Calif.

PRIOR VARIETIES

Among the existing varieties of nectarines and peaches which are knownto us, and mentioned herein, ‘Royal Glo’ Nectarine (U.S. Plant Pat. No.8,281), ‘Honey Kist’ Nectarine (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 9,333) and ‘GoldenSupreme’ Peach (non-patented).

ORIGIN OF THE VARIETY

The new and distinct variety of nectarine tree, (Prunus persica var.nucipersica), was developed by us in our experimental orchard locatednear Modesto, Calif. as a first generation cross between two seedlingswith field identification numbers 111LB51 and 204LF555. The maternalparent (111LB51) originated from a cross of a nectarine seedling ofunknown parentage with ‘Golden Supreme’ Peach (non-patented). Thepaternal parent (204LF555) originated from a cross between ‘Honey Kist’Nectarine (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 9,333) and ‘Royal Glo’ Nectarine (U.S.Plant Pat. No. 8,281). A large group of these first generationseedlings, growing on their own root system, were planted and maintainedunder close observation. The present variety, exhibited outstandingfruit characteristics and was selected in 1994 for asexual propagationand commercialization.

ASEXUAL REPRODUCTION OF THE VARIETY

Asexual reproduction of the present variety of nectarine tree was bybudding to ‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock (non-patented), the standard rootstockfor nectarines in California, as performed by us in our experimentalorchard located near Modesto, Calif., and shows that reproductions runtrue to the original tree and all characteristics of the tree and itsfruit are established and transmitted through succeeding asexualpropagation.

SUMMARY OF THE NEW VARIETY

The present variety of nectarine tree is of large size, vigorous andupright in growth and a regular and productive bearer of large size,early maturing, yellow flesh, sweet, sub-acid, fruit with very goodflavor and eating quality. The fruit is further characterized by havingan attractive high degree of red skin color, firm flesh with goodhandling and storage quality, relatively uniform in size throughout thetree and holds firm on the tree for 7 to 8 days after maturity. Incomparison to the nectarine tree ‘Honey Kist’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No.9,333), one of the paternal parents, the new variety has a lower winterchilling requirement of approximately 350 hours and the fruit isapproximately 8 days earlier in maturity, and in comparison to the otherpaternal parent ‘Royal Glo’ Nectarine (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 8,281), whichhas fruit with the normal acidic flesh, the flesh of the present varietyis mild, sweet, sub-acid and is approximately 1 week later in maturity.

PHOTOGRAPH OF THE VARIETY

The accompanying color photographic illustration shows typical specimensof the foliage and fruit of the present new nectarine variety. Theillustration shows the upper and lower surface of the leaves, anexterior and sectional view of a fruit divided in its suture plane toshow flesh color, pit cavity and the stone remaining in place. Thephotographic illustration was taken shortly after being picked (shippingripe) and the colors are as true as is reasonably possible in colorrepresentation of this type.

DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIETY

The following is a detailed botanical description of the new variety ofnectarine tree, its flowers, foliage and fruit, as based on observationsof 6 year old specimens budded to ‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock (non-patented)and grown near Modesto, Calif., with color terminology (except those incommon terms) in accordance with Reinhold Color Atlas by A. Kornerup andJ. H. Wanscher.

Tree:

Size.—Large, normal for nectarine trees. Usually pruned to 10 to 12 feetin height and width for economical harvesting of fruit.

Vigor.—Vigorous. Growth of 6 to 7 feet in height and 5 to 6 feet inwidth the first growing season. Varies with type and depth of soil,fertility and cultural practices.

Growth.—Upright. Usually pruned to vase shape to increase sunlight tocenter of tree to enhance fruit color, increase Brix and keep fruitbearing wood healthy.

Branching habit.—Upright. Crotch angle approximately 30 to 35 degrees.Heavy crop load increases crotch angle and width of the tree.

Productivity.—Productive. Usually sets 1½ to several times amount offruit desired. Thinning and spacing of fruit necessary.

Bearer.—Regular. Tree has produced heavy crops 5 consecutive years. Noalternate bearing observed.

Fertility.—Self-fertile.

Density.—Medium dense. When tree starts producing, weight of fruit helpsspread the width of tree along with pruning out branches with narrowcrotch angles.

Hardiness.—Tree grown in USDA Hardiness Zone 9. Winter chillingrequirement is approximately 400 to 450 hours at or below 45° F. Hardyin all stone fruit growing areas of California.

Trunk:

Size.—Large. Average circumference 21 inches measured 13 inches aboveground on 6 year old tree.

Stocky.—Medium.

Surface.—Medium shaggy, increases with age of tree.

Color.—Grayish brown to beaver brown (5-D-3) to (5-F-4).

Branches:

Size.—Medium. Average circumference 7½ inches measured 36 inches aboveground.

Surface.—Smooth on new growth, medium rough on old growth, roughnessincreases with age of growth.

Lenticels.—Average number 23 on 4 square inch area. Size—average length⅛ inch. Average width {fraction (1/16)} inch. Color—apricot yellow togolden yellow (5-B-6) to (5-B-7).

Color.—New growth varies from spring green to golden brown (30-C-8) to(5-D-7). Older, mature growth varies from honey yellow to hair brown(5-D-6) to (5-E-4). Color darkens with age of tree.

Leaves:

Color.—Upper surface deep green to dark green (29-E-6) to (29-F-6).Lower surface pea green to light green (29-D-5) to (29-D-8).

Size.—Medium, normal for most nectarine varieties. Average length4{fraction (9/16)} inches. Average width 1⅜ inches.

Form.—Lanceolate.

Apex.—Acuminate.

Base.—Cuneate.

Margin.—Serrate.

Thickness.—Medium, normal for most nectarine varieties.

Surface.—Upper surface relatively smooth, slightly indented over midriband pinnate venation, glabrous. Lower surface relatively smooth, smallridges created by midrib and pinnate venation, glabrous.

Petiole.—Average length {fraction (31/64)} inch. Average width {fraction(1/16)} inch. Color grayish yellow to olive yellow (2-C-6) to (2-C-8).

Glands —Reniform. Number varies from 1 to 3, average number 2.Size—medium length, {fraction (1/32)} inch. Location — upper portion ofpetiole and base of leaf blade. Color olive green to grayish green(1-D-4) to (1-D-5). Becomes darker from dust and impurities collected onsticky surface.

Flower buds:

Size.—Large. Average length {fraction (47/64)} inches. Average diameter{fraction (31/64)} inch, measured 4 days before bloom.

Hardiness.—Hardy with respect to all stone fruit growing areas ofCalifornia.

Form.—Plump, conical. Becoming elongated with maturity.

Pedicel.—Average length {fraction (5/64)} inch. Average width {fraction(1/16)} inch. Color—grayish green (1-D-7).

Pubescence.—Smooth except for pubescence on outer surface of sepals.

Color.—Pastel pink to rose pink (11-A-4) to (11-A-6).

Flowers:

Size.—Large, showy. Average height {fraction (23/32)} inch. Averagediameter 1{fraction (31/64)} inches.

Petals.—Number—5, alternately positioned to sepals. Size—large. Averagelength {fraction (39/64)} inches. Average width {fraction (37/64)} inch,Shape—orbicular, narrower at point of attachment. Outer edges vary fromsmooth to slightly scalloped. Surface slightly cupped inwardly to formbowl around anthers and pistil. Color—pastel pink to rose pink (11-A-4)to (11-A-5).

Sepals.—Shape—elongated. Number — five, alternately arranged to petals.Average length {fraction (11/64)} inch. Average width {fraction (9/64)}inch. Color—Upper surface yellowish green (28-C-7), glabrous. Lowersurface—grayish ruby (12-C-6), pubescent. Color fades with age offlowers.

Stamens.—Average number per flower 29. Average length {fraction (15/32)}inch. Filament color white (1-A-1), turning pale pink with age of bloom.Anther color red to grayish ruby (12-C-6) to (12-C-7).

Pollen.—Present, self-fertile. Color—pale yellow to yellow (4-A-3) to(4-A-4).

Pistil.—Usually one. Average length {fraction (17/32)} inch, stigmaapproximately {fraction (3/32)} inch below anthers. Color pale yellow(3-A-3).

Fragrance.—Very slight.

Blooming period.—Date of First Bloom Feb. 22, 2000. Date of Petal FallMar. 2, 2000. Varies slightly with climatic conditions.

Color.—Pink to light pink (11-A-3) to (11-A-5). Color fades with age offlower. Varies with climatic conditions.

Pedicel.—Average length {fraction (7/64)} inch. Average width {fraction(3/32)} inch. Color grayish green (28-C-6).

Fruit:

Maturity when described.—Firm ripe.

Date of first picking.—Jun. 5, 2000.

Date of last picking.—Jun. 13, 2000. Varies slightly with climaticconditions.

Size.—Average diameter axially 2⅜ to 2½ inches. Average transversely insuture plane 2½ to 2¾ inches. Average weight 172 grams. Average weightvaries with fertility of the soil, amount of fruit thinning and climaticconditions.

Form.—Nearly globose, slightly elongated.

Suture.—Shallow, extend from base to apex.

Ventral surface.—Nearly smooth, only slightly lipped near apex.

Apex.—Slightly retuse, varies from slightly retuse to very slight point.

Base.—Retuse.

Cavity.—Rounded to slightly elongated in suture plane. Average depth ¼inch. Average breadth ½ inch.

Stem:

Size.—Average length ⅜ inch. Average diameter ⅛ inch, enlarged at pointof fruit attachment.

Color.—Yellowish green (30-C-5).

Flesh:

Ripens.—Evenly.

Texture.—Firm, meaty.

Fibers.—Few, small, tender.

Firmness.—Firm, similar to fruit of ‘Honey Kist’ Nectarine (U.S. PlantPat. No. 9,333).

Aroma.—Slight.

Amydgalin.—Undetected.

Eating quality.—Very good.

Flavor.—Very good, sweet, mild, sub-acid.

Juice.—Moderate, enhances flavor.

Brix.—Average 13.3°. Varies slightly with amount of fruit per tree andclimatic conditions.

Color.—Maize yellow to sunflower yellow (4-A-6) to (4-A-7). Pit cavitygrayish yellow to amber yellow (4-B-4) to (4-B-7).

Skin:

Thickness.—Medium, tenacious to the flesh.

Texture.—Medium, similar to ‘Honey Kist’ Nectarine (U.S. Plant Pat. No.9,333), no problem with tearing or scarring during picking or packingtrials.

Tendency to crack.—None.

Pubescence.—Wanting.

Color.—Yellow to golden yellow ground color (4-A-4) to (4-A-5).Overspread with red to Turkish red (10-C-7) to (10-C-8). Small, randomlyspaced areas of ground color showing in some areas giving a speckledpattern.

Tenacity.—Tenacious to flesh.

Astringency.—None.

Stone:

Type.—Clingstone.

Size.—Large. Average length 1{fraction (19/64)} inches. Average width1{fraction (1/16)} inches. Average thickness {fraction (53/64)} inch.

Form.—Obovoid.

Base.—Varies from rounded to flat.

Apex.—Varies from very slight point to rounded. Average length—veryshort, {fraction (1/16)} inch on some stones.

Surface.—Irregularly furrowed toward apex, pitted toward base, pits varyfrom round to elongated. One long furrow on each side of sutureextending from base to apex. Ridges relatively wide and rough.

Sides.—Usually unequal with one side extending further from center ofsuture plane.

Tendency to split.—Very slight.

Color.—Yellowish brown to light brown (5-C-6) to (5-C-7) when dry.

Kernel:

Average length.—{fraction (21/32)} inch.

Average width.—{fraction (15/32)} inch.

Seed coat color.—Tan to grayish orange (5-B-4) to (5-B-5) when dry.

Taste.—Bitter.

Amydgalin.—Abundant.

Use: Dessert. Market—local and long distance.

Keeping quality: Good, held firm in cold storage (38° to 42°) for 2weeks without internal breakdown of flesh.

Shipping quality: Good, fruit showed minimal skin scarring or bruisingof flesh during packing and shipping trials.

Disease resistance/susceptibility: No specific testing for relativeplant/fruit disease resistance/susceptibility has been designed. Underclose observation during planting, growing, and harvesting of fruit,under normal cultural and growing conditions near Modesto, Calif., noparticular plant/fruit disease resistance or susceptibility has beenobserved. Any variety or selection observed during indexing of plantcharacteristics with abnormal fungus, bacterial, virus or insectsusceptibility is destroyed and eliminated from our breeding program.

The present new variety of nectarine tree, its flowers, foliage andfruit herein described may vary in slight detail due to climate, soilconditions and cultural practices under which the variety may be grown.The present description is that of the variety grown under theecological conditions prevailing near Modesto, Calif.

We claim:
 1. A new and distinct variety of nectarine tree, substantiallyas illustrated and described, which is of large size, upright growth anda productive and regular bearer of large, yellow flesh, clingstone fruitwith very good flavor and eating quality; the fruit is furthercharacterized by having firm flesh with a sweet, sub-acid flavor, havinggood storage and shipping quality and in comparison to the ‘Honey Kist’Nectarine (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 9,333), the new variety has a lowerwinter chilling requirement of approximately 350 hours and producesfruit that is approximately 8 days earlier in maturity.